The Peanut Genome Initiative (PGI)

The Peanut Genome Initiative is a committed step by the international research community to meet the needs of the peanut industry through genomics and biotechnology.

Background

The legume groundnut, an important oil seed crop, plays an important role in improving
livelihoods, nutritional security and sustainability of agriculture in dry areas. In spite of its high
nutritive value, its use in food products is low compared to the 80% of the total production
utilized for oil extraction in Asia, particularly in India.

In the light of emerging challenges and opportunities this crop requires a new vision and strategy
to improve its productivity and quality. With increasing demographic pressure and dwindling
natural resources, the production of this grain legume faces a serious threat. To make the crop
more profitable and competitive, emphasis needs to be placed on high quality food and value
added products.

Aflatoxin contamination – a toxic substance produced by fungi belonging Aspergillus flavus and
A. parasiticus, significantly influences the groundnut trade across the world. Increasing demand
for edible oils and the uses of groundnut in industry are very diverse and relate more to local
food habits. This will be influenced by income growth, particularly in Asia, and increasing health
consciousness of consumers.

The international research community is faced with the responsibility of developing new
groundnut varieties that meet higher quality standards and consumers acceptance. This can be
achieved by improved communication between scientists and stakeholders. The Advances in
Arachis through Genomics and Biotechnology (AAGB-2008) focuses on improving the
productivity, quality and safety issues using modern genomics and biotechnology tools.

The conference will be organized under well-structured technical sessions that will include
invited lectures by eminent speakers in the fields of Genetic Resources, Allelic Diversity,
Germplasm Enhancement, Genomic Resources, Comparative Genomics, Biotic and Abiotic
Stresses, and Product Quality and Safety. A poster exhibition on these major themes will also be
arranged during the conference. Excursions and sight seeing tours to some of the world heritage
sites in Hyderabad will also be arranged. The Organizing Committee is endeavoring to make this
event scientifically rewarding and socially enjoyable.

Date and Venue

AAGB-2008 will be organized from 4 to 8 November 2008 at ICRISAT Headquarters, near
Hyderabad, India. November is the beginning of winter, so the weather will be cool and pleasant.

Call for Abstracts

The Organizing Committee invites scientists/students to participate and make poster
presentations for the research conference. A slot of 2 hours every day has been dedicated for
poster sessions and discussion. Abstracts of maximum 250 words should be submitted in soft
form (preferably Microsoft WORD form) through e-mail to aagb.icrisat@cgiar.org (please
mention “Abstract for AAGB-2008” in the subject line of the mail). A sample abstract is
available at www.icrisat.org/aagb-2008.

Conference Secretariat

Dr. Rajeev Varshney
Organizing Secretary, AAGB-2008
Centre for Excellence in Genomics (CEG), Bld # 300
Global Theme - Biotechnology
ICRISAT, Patancheru
502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India
Tel : +91-40-30713305/30713367 ; Fax : +91-40-30713074/30713075
Email  : aagb.icrisat@cgiar.org ; r.k.varshney@cgiar.org
website : www.icrisat.org/aagb-2008